Mimosa Salad (Layered Tuna Salad)

Looking for a unique, layered salad that’s perfect for your next gathering? This Mimosa Salad (also known as Layered Tuna Salad) is a delightful and colorful dish made with tender tuna, creamy mayo, hard-boiled eggs, grated vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It’s a visually stunning and flavorful dish that is ideal for holidays, parties, and potlucks. This recipe combines a variety of textures and flavors, including savory tuna, fresh veggies like boiled potatoes, carrots, and onions, all topped with a light and creamy dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light main dish or a hearty side, this Mimosa Salad will impress your guests with its layers of flavor and vibrant appearance.

Ingredients:

• 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in oil, drained
• 6 large hard-boiled eggs, whites and yolks separated
• 2 large carrots, boiled and peeled
• 1 medium or 1/2 large onion
• 4 medium potatoes, boiled and peeled
• 1 cup mayonnaise + 2 tbsp mayo, divided
• 1/4 cup extra light olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Tomato or dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. How to Cook Potatoes, Carrots, and Eggs:
   • Place the whole unpeeled potatoes and carrots into a medium pot. Add water to cover and bring to a light boil. Cook for about 30 minutes, or until a knife can pierce them smoothly (don’t overcook). Let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Cold veggies are easier to grate. Peel them just before grating.
   • For the eggs, place them in a separate pot with cold water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs. Cool, peel, and separate the whites from the yolks.
2. How to Assemble the Salad:
   • In a bowl, mix 1 cup of mayo with 1/4 cup light olive oil until smooth and well combined. Transfer the mixture into a zip-loc bag and cut a tiny hole in the corner for easy drizzling.
   • Mix the drained tuna with 2 tbsp mayo and a pinch of pepper. Spread the tuna mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×9 square, 9×11 rectangular, or trifle dish. Drizzle a thin layer of mayo over the tuna.
   • Grate the egg whites finely and spread them evenly over the tuna. Season lightly with salt and drizzle with mayo.
   • Finely grate the carrots and spread them over the egg whites. Sprinkle lightly with salt and drizzle with more mayo.
   • In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Finely chop the onion and boil for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool quickly. Spread the cooled onions evenly over the salad and drizzle with mayo.
   • Grate the potatoes finely and spread them evenly over the onions. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with the remaining mayo. Spread the mayo gently over the top with a spatula.
   • Garnish the salad with grated egg yolks and fresh dill, and if desired, tomato roses.

Tips

• For a smoother, creamier dressing, blend the mayo and olive oil together until completely combined.
• Use a trifle dish for an impressive layered presentation.
• Be sure to allow the boiled vegetables and eggs to cool completely before grating for the best texture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the tuna with shredded chicken or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
• Creamy Dressing: You can add a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist in the dressing.
• Herbs: Try adding fresh parsley or chives to the salad for added flavor.
• Vegan Version: Replace mayo with a vegan mayonnaise alternative and skip the eggs.

FAQs

• Can I use different vegetables? Yes! You can experiment with other grated vegetables like beets, parsnips, or zucchini for extra color and flavor.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, Mimosa Salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. It tastes even better when the flavors have time to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

• This Mimosa Salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a side of fresh greens, or as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner. It’s perfect for potlucks, holiday meals, or a family gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mimosa Salad is a visually stunning and deliciously layered dish that combines savory tuna, creamy mayo, and fresh vegetables in a unique and satisfying way. It’s perfect for any occasion and is always a hit at parties. The soft-boiled eggs, crispy veggies, and rich dressing create a perfect balance of flavors, making it a favorite for anyone who loves a hearty, yet refreshing salad. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your preferences!